Empowering Lives by Addressing Hearing Loss Comorbidities: A Q&A With Barbara Kelley

More than 50 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss—a condition more prevalent than cancer and diabetes.¹ However, a significant portion of the affected population goes untreated for an average of 5 to 7 years. In addition to the scale of the condition, hearing loss has a profound emotional toll, leading to isolation, depression, and anxiety, with research indicating people with hearing loss are much more likely to experience symptoms of depression.²

Specific populations are at higher risk of hearing-related issues or face significant challenges, such as the 3.6 million US veterans receiving benefits for hearing issues, the 30 million industrial workers exposed to hazardous noise levels, and young adults at risk of permanent hearing loss. A steadfast champion for this community, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) advocates for equitable communication access in health care and works to address employment disparities, knowing that adults with hearing loss are less employed and earn less than their hearing peers despite protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®) recently spoke with Barbara Kelley, executive director of the HLAA, to learn more about the importance of early hearing loss detection, integrating psychological support and mental health resources alongside audiological care, and tailoring resources to effectively support this diverse and often vulnerable community

This interview was lightly edited for clarity.

AJMC: What are the HLAA's key strategies to encourage earlier detection and treatment, especially given hearing loss’ links to other serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and increased risk of falls in older adults?

Kelley: The HLAA is raising awareness that hearing is an important part of overall health and well-being, and it should be tested regularly and treated quickly if there’s a problem. There’s no such thing as a small hearing loss, and we’re working to break down stigma, raise awareness, and increase access to care and treatment.

Our advocacy and resources are making a difference. Our new Hearing Loss Toolkit gives signs, symptoms, and steps to encourage action. Mindsets are changing, too, as the length of time people wait to treat hearing loss is beginning to shorten. There also are now more products available to help address hearing loss, such as over-the-counter hearing aids and commonly available options for accessible communication, like captions and phone apps.

AJMC: Why is it important to integrate psychological support and mental health resources alongside audiological care to improve quality of life for individuals with hearing loss and their caregivers?

Kelley: This spring, we had a campaign called Beyond Your Ears to address the wide-reaching impact of hearing loss in a person’s life. It really resonated with thousands of people who used our resources to help with the emotional and social side of hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing care professionals play such a critical role, but the HLAA exists because patients also need peer support, connection, and real-life strategies to help them live well with hearing loss.

AJMC: What are the most pressing advocacy priorities for the HLAA currently, and what tangible changes are you working toward to improve accessibility and employment opportunities?

Kelley: Hearing loss often affects people’s employment. Some may leave the workforce to avoid problems, some struggle to find a job at all, and many don’t know what accommodations to ask for. We have a task force that holds regular webinars to help people navigate the workforce with hearing loss, and these videos are free, captioned, and available to watch on our website.

AJMC: Can you speak to the importance of tailoring programs, resources, and advocacy to effectively support diverse and often vulnerable communities?

Kelley: The HLAA represents millions with hearing loss, but also millions more who are at risk of developing hearing loss. As a nationwide community of support, we offer specialized groups for people to connect on a personal level with others facing similar challenges, and this is where the magic happens. We have a new online parents group starting in November, and our virtual veterans group meets monthly. This is in addition to 125 local chapters and groups in communities across the country that connect people with peers, resources, support, and even local advocacy efforts. This is when people go from isolation to empowerment and thriving.

References

1. Hearing loss by the numbers. Hearing Loss Association of America. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.hearingloss.org/understanding-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-101/hearing-loss-by-the-numbers/
2. Shaw M. Hearing loss and mental health: connecting care and well-being. AJMC. September 16, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/hearing-loss-and-mental-health-connecting-care-and-well-being